National Squadron of Niger
The Niger Air Force (Armée de l'Air du Niger in French) is the aerial warfare branch of the Nigerien Armed Forces. Established on August 18, 1961, it falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of Defense. The primary role of the Niger Air Force is to support the country's defense and security strategies. The air force operates a limited number of aircraft, mainly focused on surveillance, transport, and combat activities. As of 2021, the inventory includes primarily transport aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules and C-27J Spartan, as well as light attack and training aircraft like the Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano and the Hongdu JL-8 respectively. The Niger Air Force actively participates in joint military exercises and regional peacekeeping operations, contributing to regional stability. In recent years, it has faced challenges posed by terrorist groups operating in the Sahel region, and has received assistance from international partners to enhance its capabilities in counterterrorism efforts.
Key facts
| Official Name | National Squadron of Niger |
| Local Name | Force Aérienne du Niger |
| Country | 🇳🇪 Niger |
| World rank | #127 |
| Active aircrafts | 16 (as of 2024) |
| Aircrafts on order | 2 |
| Roundel |
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Number of active aircrafts by type
| Aircraft type | Active | |
|---|---|---|
| Helicopters | 7 | |
| Transport | 5 | |
| Special missions | 2 | |
| Combat aircrafts | 2 | |
Aircrafts most used by Nigerien air forces
| Aircraft | Active | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 208 Caravan | 4 | American utility aircraft, primarily deployed for passenger and cargo transportation, known for its operational history since the 1980s. | |
| Mi-17 Hip-H | 3 | Soviet transport helicopter, prominently deployed during Afghan War, globally used for cargo, troop transport, and rescue missions. | |
| SA340 Gazelle | 3 | French light utility helicopter, known for its extensive use in military and civil applications since its 1960s introduction. | |
| Su-25 Frogfoot | 2 | Soviet close air support aircraft, prominent during Afghan War, designed for ground targets engagement under heavy fire conditions. | |
| C-130 Hercules | 1 | American military transport aircraft, known for significant roles in Vietnam War and Desert Storm, extensively used for various cargo missions. | |
| Do 228 | 1 | German utility-transport aircraft, mainly used for regional air services and maritime surveillance since the 1980s. | |
| King Air 90 | 1 | American twin-turboprop aircraft, prominently deployed for utility, corporate, and military purposes from the 1960s onward. | |
| Mi-24 Hind | 1 | Soviet attack helicopter, renowned for Cold War use, predominantly deployed for airborne assault, close combat, and anti-armour roles. | |
Full inventory in 2024
Niger Air Force
| Aircraft Type | Model | Active | Ordered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combat aircrafts | Su-25 | ||
| Helicopters | Mi-17 | ||
| SA342 | |||
| Mi-24/35 | |||
| Special missions | Cessna 208 (Recce) | ||
| Transport | Cessna 208 | ||
| C-130H | |||
| Dornier 228 | |||
| King Air 350 |